Second cancer center to open in Poulsbo

POULSBO — First, Harrison Medical Center brought cancer care to Poulsbo. In a couple months, it will have some competition.

Peninsula Cancer Center, a clinic offering radiation treatment, is currently remodeling about 7,000 square feet in the same building as Peninsula Community Health Services. The two will be neighbors at 19917 7th Avenue.

The clinic is a venture by two cancer specialists and is expected to open by mid-September, said Berit Madsen, M.D.

The impetus for the clinic came after Madsen and fellow radiation oncologist Richard "Alex" Hsi, M.D., both of whom practiced at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, took note of how many patients were making the trip from Kitsap County and the North Olympic Peninsula for cancer treatment. Madsen left Virginia Mason in October after 15 years, and Hsi will practice at the hospital through August, Madsen said.

With a therapy schedule often requiring daily commutes for already weary patients and family members via car and ferry, travel can become exhausting.

“It's really hard on people,” Madsen said.

Hsi has expertise treating prostate cancer, Madsen has expertise in treating cancers of the head, neck and breast.

In addition to the demand the two expect in North Kitsap, making an easier trip for patients from Jefferson and Clallam counties, it reduces the commute for Madsen. A Bainbridge Island resident, Madsen's husband is former City Councilman Nezam Tooloee.

Peninsula Cancer Center installed a concrete vault with six-inch walls to house the clinic's linear accelerator and is remodeling the office. Construction is ongoing at the site.

The newest cancer center in the Poulsbo medical community follows the opening of Harrison's new oncology and hematology center on 10th Avenue, which opened July 1. The Doctors Clinic also opened an urgent care office on 7th Avenue in March.

Contact North Kitsap Herald Staff Writer Andrew Binion at abinion@northkitsapherald.com or (360) 779-4464.

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